Preparing for labour, birth and parenthood
Things to think about
- Who do you want to support you at the birth? This person will be your birth partner.
- What will help you relax when you are in labour? Make sure your birth partner knows about your birth plan.
- If you want pain relief what kind is right for you?
Antenatal Classes
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board run a range of different Antenatal classes, in partnership with each local authority in Gwent. There is a broad mix of in person and online antenatal sessions, as well as longer Antenatal courses and more.
For more information, please visit our Gwent Early Years Eventbrite page, or get in touch with your local authority Early Years team.
Antenatal Support
Each of the 5 local authorities have an Antenatal Support team, who are able to offer tailored advice and support in the home, or in a setting, to parents-to-be.
Contact your local Family Information Service for more information: Find your local Family Information Service | GOV.WALES
The Solihull Approach
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in conjunction with Early Years partners from the 5 local authorities, have provided free access to online classes for all residents within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. There are a number of different courses including understanding pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby and more! Go to www.inourplace.co.uk and use access code: GEYAP for FREE access.
There is also a host of relevant Information is on the Maternity Services Facebook page: www.facebook.com/maternityabuhb
as well as the Health Visiting Service: www.facebook.com/aneurinbevanhvs
Positions for birth, pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing, mindfulness and relaxation techniques can all be found under videos on the All Wales Antenatal Facebook page. There is also a folder for breast feeding preparation.
Things to do Pack a bag for the birth and a bag for you and your baby afterwards.
Don’t forget: An old nightdress or t–shirt, (something that opens at the front will make breastfeeding easier later on), clothes for your baby, your wash bag, clothes for you and plenty of sanitary towels and old or disposable knickers.
Planning for the birth
Your midwives will do their best to make sure that the birth of your new baby will be a positive experience
You and your partner or birth partner can help things go smoothly by finding out what to expect and by taking some time to think about what’s important to you.
How to help your birth stay normal
It’s best for mums to try and have a normal birth and not a caesarean. This is because mums recover much more quickly from a normal birth and the birth of the next baby will be easier if you decide to have another.
There are some things you can’t control, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of having a normal birth:
- Stay active during your pregnancy
- Keep moving about as long as possible in labour
- Stay at home during the early part of labour – you will be calmer and happier.
Your body, your choices
During your pregnancy, your midwife will ask if you would like to make a birth plan. This means that your choices are written down. It’s a good idea because it gives you a chance to think about what you’d like and ask questions before you go into labour. Talk about your plan with your partner or birth partner.
- If you are not sure what you want:
- Ask your midwife and she will talk you through your options
- Have a look at the information in this book
- Antenatal class
Who will be with you at the birth?
Think about who you would like to be your birth partner to give you support and encouragement when you’re in labour. Your partner, if you have one, may be the obvious choice, but it doesn’t have to be. There is some evidence that having another person with you instead of (or as well as) your partner is helpful and can shorten your labour. Some women have a close friend or a relative with them.
It’s a good idea to discuss your birth plan with your partner and whoever else will be with you at the birth. If they know what you expect and what your decisions are they’ll be able to give you better support.